Identify the SBA program first
Use DLM’s Small Business & Government-Backed category to distinguish 7(a), 504, Express, CAPLines, export, microloan, and other structures.
Use SBA lender resources
Start with SBA’s own lender-matching and participating-lender resources when applicable, then verify the exact program on the lender’s website or with its SBA lending team.
Search the exact delivery method
For less-common structures, use terms such as SBA Contract CAPLine lender, SBA Builders CAPLine lender, or SBA 504 lender [state] rather than only SBA loan.
Ask whether the lender actively originates it
Program authorization does not mean every branch or institution is actively making every subtype. Confirm current availability, geography, loan-size range, industry restrictions, collateral expectations, and whether the lender uses SBA Preferred Lender processing.
For 504, expect two financing parties
A typical 504 transaction involves a private lender and a Certified Development Company for the SBA-backed portion. Search for both an active 504 bank/lender and a CDC serving your area.